Rental car desks at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) are Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2, near the exit to the car park. The rental car park is in the P5 parking area, accessible via a covered walkway from the terminal.. Major companies include Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt. The fastest transfer to Helsinki is by Train (Ring Rail I/P) (30 minutes).
Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall of Terminal 2, near the exit to the car park. The rental car park is in the P5 parking area, accessible via a covered walkway from the terminal.
Book your rental car at HEL at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best prices, especially during summer.
Compare prices from all companies at HEL to find the best deal:
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| Transport | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Ring Rail I/P) | 30 minutes | EUR 5.50 | Direct to Helsinki Central Station; trains run every 10 minutes |
| Finnair City Bus | 35 minutes | EUR 7.20 | Express bus to Helsinki Central Railway Station |
| Bus (615) | 45 minutes | EUR 4.10 | Local HSL bus to Helsinki city center |
| Taxi | 25-35 minutes | EUR 40-50 | Metered fare; fixed prices available via the Taksi Helsinki app |
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland's main international airport, located in the city of Vantaa, 17 km north of Helsinki city center. It handles over 22 million passengers and serves as the hub for Finnair, which operates extensive routes between Europe and Asia via the short northern routing.
A rental car from Helsinki is the key to experiencing Finland's extraordinary natural landscapes. The Finnish Lakeland, with its 188,000 lakes and endless forests, begins just an hour north of Helsinki and offers some of Europe's most peaceful driving. In summer, the Midnight Sun creates 24-hour daylight, while in winter, the snow-blanketed roads through Lapland lead to Santa Claus Village, Northern Lights viewing points, and world-class ski resorts.
Finland's road network is well-maintained and entirely toll-free. Traffic outside Helsinki is minimal, making driving relaxing and enjoyable. The biggest challenges are the vast distances (Finland is Europe's fifth-largest country) and winter conditions, when daylight may be limited to a few hours and temperatures drop to -30C in Lapland.
No, all roads in Finland are toll-free.
Rovaniemi (the 'official' home of Santa Claus) is 830 km north of Helsinki, about 9 hours by car. Many visitors fly to Rovaniemi and rent a car locally for shorter Lapland explorations.
Yes, Finnish roads are well-maintained in winter. Studded winter tyres are standard on rental cars. Drive cautiously, use headlights at all times, and watch for moose and reindeer.
Not directly — but the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn takes just 2 hours. Most rental companies prohibit taking cars on ferries to the Baltic states, though some allow it with advance permission.
The best Northern Lights viewing is in Lapland (September-March). The drive from Helsinki is very long; consider flying to Ivalo or Rovaniemi and renting locally.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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